Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
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Uninhabited Whitsunday Island is home to this beautiful beach, one of the world's most spectacular.
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- FrequentFlyer💁🏼♀️London, United Kingdom138 contributionsLovely but not as amazing as advertisedNice white sand beach. Clear pristine water. Beautiful view point a few minutes walk away for pictures. You can get there by cruise or private transfer. Cons: not much shade, not able to swim during stinger season as there are no stinger nets. If you arrive on an organised day trip they will offer stinger suits but it’s not the same. They will also sell drinks on the beach. Tip: go in the morning, a bit cooler so you can do the walk to the view point and then enjoy the beach.Visited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten December 27, 2022
- Dolly YMelbourne, Australia3 contributionsWhitehaven Helicopter TourLuke and Seb from Hamilton Island Air flew us to Whitehaven by Helicopter. We had the most enjoyable experience, great, professional, yet fun and educational pilots, We had high expectations, but they went above and beyond and exceeded our expectations. Loved every minute. Smooth flights and bubbles to celebrate our journey. Loads of fun, gets the golden tick from us. Highly recommended. Thanks again guys!Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten January 5, 2023
- Penstar4Plympton, Australia30 contributionsBeautiful Aussie beach!Beautiful Powdery white sand with clear water. Fish swimming in the shallows. Not very well sign posted to point to amenities. Apparently up a path (although we went up the wrong one). Not sure if any nearby beach shops were around to buy refreshments. . Sand so fine can get in phones and everywhere so be careful.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten January 12, 2023
- Dazzling63Solihull, United Kingdom891 contributionsSimply ParadiseMy daughter and I did a day cruise with. Raise Whitsundays and opted for the inclusive bbq and trip to Hill Inlet. The transfer from Hamilton island was around an hour to Whitehaven Beach. There were hardly any other boats here so it was tranquil and very beautiful. Stinger suits, paddle boards, drinks etc we’re provided by the crew. The water was 28 degrees and there were plenty of fish. We took a short boat ride across to Hill Inlet and waded through the long shallows with rays. Then a fairly decent walk up to the 3 lookouts which have spectacular views across the inlet. Probably the most beautiful place I have been. We then returned to Whitehaven for a really good bbq on the beach and another dip in the warm ocean . A fantastic day and absolute must see place.Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten March 7, 2023
- Gandalf321Brisbane, Australia54 contributionsWOW!It's often rated among the top beaches in the world, and I could see why. Beautiful location. Increadible white sand. The sand is so fine grained, I loved just running it through my fingers. Somewhat remote, we took a cruise to get there. A great day out when you're visiting the Whitsunday islands.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 15, 2023
- Trip6240472 contributionsAt least once in a lifetime you must have seen this!Thé most beautiful beach on the planet!! The colours of the water are beyond reality when you are there on a sunny day and stay for many hours. And the sand stays cool in spite of a hot and sunny day.Visited October 2022Travelled with familyWritten September 30, 2023
- XR3MXMelbourne, Australia27 contributionsLovely, but just another beachDid the half day Whitehaven Beach tour with Cruise Whitsundays. Great service by the tour company, especially great if you need easy access to the sand (via a ramp). Once there, it's really just another beach. It's beautiful but don't expect too much. Glad we did it, but won't bother going again.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,432 reviews
Excellent
2,074
Very good
240
Average
87
Poor
21
Terrible
10
XR3MX
Melbourne, Australia27 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Did the half day Whitehaven Beach tour with Cruise Whitsundays. Great service by the tour company, especially great if you need easy access to the sand (via a ramp).
Once there, it's really just another beach. It's beautiful but don't expect too much.
Glad we did it, but won't bother going again.
Once there, it's really just another beach. It's beautiful but don't expect too much.
Glad we did it, but won't bother going again.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trip624047
2 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Family
Thé most beautiful beach on the planet!! The colours of the water are beyond reality when you are there on a sunny day and stay for many hours. And the sand stays cool in spite of a hot and sunny day.
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gandalf321
Brisbane, Australia54 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
It's often rated among the top beaches in the world, and I could see why. Beautiful location. Increadible white sand. The sand is so fine grained, I loved just running it through my fingers. Somewhat remote, we took a cruise to get there. A great day out when you're visiting the Whitsunday islands.
Written September 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jemima A
3 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
Whitehaven is incredible. We only stopped in for a couple hours on our boat which was enough with young kids. But a definite bucket list moment checked off!
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa B
Adelaide, Australia59 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was a very disappointing experience. We all got soaked on the way over to Whitehaven island when the crew belatedly provided yellow waterproof jackets.
Morning tea was a piece of banana cake & a small lamington if you wanted it. No tea or coffee & it was freezing out there.
Quite rough but the captain did his best with the conditions.
Got to Whitehaven Island & were rubber dingied ashore. The views on the lookout were great.
Got back onto the boat 1.5 hours later. Lunch was a wrap with bacon, cheese & lettuce. No drinks were provided at any time. However, you could top your water up if you brought your drink bottle. I never saw any cups & only found out about the water by accident.
We then traveled to a small reef off the shore of some island. It was so cold that we didn't jump in. No wetsuits or flippers were provided ,
It was so cold, & the crew are not responsible for the weather. But the lack of warm drinks, decent food & wetsuits & flippers were not good enough for the price.
It's a very slow trip & you are exposed to the elements the whole time.
Morning tea was a piece of banana cake & a small lamington if you wanted it. No tea or coffee & it was freezing out there.
Quite rough but the captain did his best with the conditions.
Got to Whitehaven Island & were rubber dingied ashore. The views on the lookout were great.
Got back onto the boat 1.5 hours later. Lunch was a wrap with bacon, cheese & lettuce. No drinks were provided at any time. However, you could top your water up if you brought your drink bottle. I never saw any cups & only found out about the water by accident.
We then traveled to a small reef off the shore of some island. It was so cold that we didn't jump in. No wetsuits or flippers were provided ,
It was so cold, & the crew are not responsible for the weather. But the lack of warm drinks, decent food & wetsuits & flippers were not good enough for the price.
It's a very slow trip & you are exposed to the elements the whole time.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lupedv
Koblenz10 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
24. May 2023 Orientation:
Arlie Beach = Name of the town
Whitsundays = Area Name
Whitehaven = All the Beaches in this Area
Hill Inlet Beach Whitehaven = The Dreambeach (this beach you want to see)
Proserpeane = Airport nearby
Be very carefully there is only ONE Company witch has the Permit to stop at the Dream beach: Hill Inlet Beach Whitehaven !!!
All the others Company's has no permit to go there !!! They drive you to an other Beach in this Area about 4 km far away from the dream beach. Some sand but other beach !!
In order not to be suspected of collecting commissions, please find the company yourself. Don't trust the brochures or websites !! all lied !! . Ask if they stop right at Dream Beach: "Hill Inlet Beach Whitehaven" by boat and you can hop off and swim there.
Good luck.
Arlie Beach = Name of the town
Whitsundays = Area Name
Whitehaven = All the Beaches in this Area
Hill Inlet Beach Whitehaven = The Dreambeach (this beach you want to see)
Proserpeane = Airport nearby
Be very carefully there is only ONE Company witch has the Permit to stop at the Dream beach: Hill Inlet Beach Whitehaven !!!
All the others Company's has no permit to go there !!! They drive you to an other Beach in this Area about 4 km far away from the dream beach. Some sand but other beach !!
In order not to be suspected of collecting commissions, please find the company yourself. Don't trust the brochures or websites !! all lied !! . Ask if they stop right at Dream Beach: "Hill Inlet Beach Whitehaven" by boat and you can hop off and swim there.
Good luck.
Written May 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisbonJoana
lisbon7 contributions
Apr. 2023
Absolutely amazing!! Either just looking or spending the day at the beach, it´s totally worth visiting!
Written April 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
1 contribution
Mar. 2023
Whitehaven Beach is spectacular, whether viewed from near or afar. SeaLink provided a day trip from Shute Harbor, a 14 minute ride from Airlie Beach. SeaLink provides a shuttle from Airlie. The SeaLink vessel was a comfortable large high-speed catamaran. The trip started with a tour of the nearby Great Barrier Reef islands, including Hamilton Island, the most developed of the islands. A hour ride saw us land at Whitehaven Beach, and we were ferried to the brilliant white sands. After we were fitted with stinger suits to protect us from Irukandji jelly fish, which can inflict painful stings that can even be fatal, we were encouraged to swim in the crystal clear and warm tropical water. We were advised that the blinding white sand never got hot so shoes were unnecessary, and that was true. But I found a good reason to wear shoes -- the tops of my feet got sunburned from the glare of the sand and water, though I stayed under the shelter provided by the excellent SeaLink crew. Likewise, my face also was sunburned from the glare, though I wore a hat the whole time. Solution: Replace the sunscreen frequently, and beware the tropical sun -- it's intense. After two hours on the beach we boarded the catamaran for a nice lunch and headed to Tongue Point for the absolute highlight of the day: the view of the beach from above and all the colors of the water of the stream entering the sea at the north end of the beach. The view from Tongue Point is stunning, but it is an almost half mile walk up hill over more than 200 stone steps, a challenge for anyone not in good shape. Take it easy. While this was a 6-hour trip, SeaLink offers half-day trips on Saturday and Sunday for those who want to minimize sun exposure.
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dazzling63
Solihull, UK891 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
My daughter and I did a day cruise with. Raise Whitsundays and opted for the inclusive bbq and trip to Hill Inlet.
The transfer from Hamilton island was around an hour to Whitehaven Beach. There were hardly any other boats here so it was tranquil and very beautiful.
Stinger suits, paddle boards, drinks etc we’re provided by the crew. The water was 28 degrees and there were plenty of fish.
We took a short boat ride across to Hill Inlet and waded through the long shallows with rays. Then a fairly decent walk up to the 3 lookouts which have spectacular views across the inlet. Probably the most beautiful place I have been.
We then returned to Whitehaven for a really good bbq on the beach and another dip in the warm ocean .
A fantastic day and absolute must see place.
The transfer from Hamilton island was around an hour to Whitehaven Beach. There were hardly any other boats here so it was tranquil and very beautiful.
Stinger suits, paddle boards, drinks etc we’re provided by the crew. The water was 28 degrees and there were plenty of fish.
We took a short boat ride across to Hill Inlet and waded through the long shallows with rays. Then a fairly decent walk up to the 3 lookouts which have spectacular views across the inlet. Probably the most beautiful place I have been.
We then returned to Whitehaven for a really good bbq on the beach and another dip in the warm ocean .
A fantastic day and absolute must see place.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penstar4
Plympton, Australia30 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Family
Beautiful Powdery white sand with clear water. Fish swimming in the shallows.
Not very well sign posted to point to amenities. Apparently up a path (although we went up the wrong one). Not sure if any nearby beach shops were around to buy refreshments. .
Sand so fine can get in phones and everywhere so be careful.
Not very well sign posted to point to amenities. Apparently up a path (although we went up the wrong one). Not sure if any nearby beach shops were around to buy refreshments. .
Sand so fine can get in phones and everywhere so be careful.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shazzyloo
13 contributions
Wanting to do a half day tour to Whitehaven beach, is the morning or afternoon trip better?
Hermela K
Antioch, TN6 contributions
Do it at the afternoon because it's so amazing in Whitehaven Beach is better to do it in the afternoon because you know how it feels great and their massage shops open!
kidsb4me
Hampton East, Australia430 contributions
Where is the South Whitehaven Beach lookout path - our last trip we walked a path until it branched off to the right to Chance Bay or a shorter path to the left to a rocky outcrop lookout which overlooked Whitehaven (partial view) but I’ve seen photos of a much more substantial lookout and wonder if we turned off too early ?
We don’t want to trek all the way to Chance Bay and there was no other signage mentioning the lookout - does anyone know the actual path to the South Whitehaven Beach lookout (not the one up near Hill Inlet)
Camilo M
Kushiro-cho, Japan
My girlfriend and I are planning to travel to Whitsunday island. Wondering it is possible to rich there without any problems? We live on Gold Coast.
Thank you so much for your response
695loredana
Madrid, Spain2 contributions
Hola! Alguien me puede decir cual es la forma mas rapida de llegar desde Sydney
Daniel K
Lo Barnechea, Chile
Si viajar a Hamilton Island que tiene un buen aeropuerto y de ahí navegando, el helicóptero o hidroavión. Es muy cerca para ir por el día desde allí.
Hi, I would like to know what attractions are there for a 5 yo? I'm undecided between Gold Coast and Whitehave Beach.
Hermela K
Antioch, TN6 contributions
The best answer is.... White have beach in the afternoon and gold Coast in the morning you know how much fun it is!
Aidana P
Rosario, Argentina
Hola Nani!! Me podrías decir en qué isla te alojaste para hacer ese tour y desde qué aeropuerto llegaste? Estoy medio perdida armando el viaje. Gracias
mummywarren
Rainham, UK132 contributions
We will be staying on Hamilton Island next Feb, is there a ferry or boat trip we can get to Whitehaven Beach please?
Marc Edrian G
Sydney, Australia50 contributions
Yes there, plenty of cruise options to Whitehaven beach
🏝️✈️ Sand & Sunshine ☀️ 🩴
West Plains, MO378 contributions
Are there any adult only, all inclusive resorts in this area? We are looking to go somewhere just like this, but we have ventured out to this area. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
You may email me at jwe 100108 (at sign) yahoo com
(No spaces but I had to write it like this so it would take the review.
kazzy52
Brisbane11 contributions
The Beach Club at Hamilton Island is adults only. There is no accomodation at Whitehaven Beach.
Livingthelife55
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Boat cruises / ferry service that runs several times a day to Whitehaven ?
Kath F
Logan City, Australia4 contributions
We are cruusinv with P and O in February. What time do thd ferries run from Hamilton to Whitehaven beach ?
JosefinaMenghi
Buenos Aires, Argentina31 contributions
Hi There! I need a transfer ride to Whitehaven Beach Camp site at 15 hs for Nov 18. Scamper only has early morning transfer and that is not suitable for my schedule. Does anyone knows any ferry service with a wider schedule offer? Thanks in advance :)
Jill T
30 contributions
Hi Josefina,
When I was searching around trying to find information before my trip, I googled a lot and found the main website for hamilton island to be the best go-to. (it won't let me write the website address) I know it can be overwhelming with all the information, but it helped me a lot.
I'm not sure specifically about the 'camp site' but there are many businesses/boats that go to different drop off points at whitehaven. Some do afternoon tours, but I believe it does sometimes depend on the tides/day of the week/weather.
We booked ours when we got to the island and went to the 'Explore' shop at the Marina. There we could ask for the best day to go based on weather/wind/tides etc.
Hope that helps in some way.
Have a great time!
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Claim your listingWHITEHAVEN BEACH - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitehaven Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Whitehaven Beach:
- Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruises (From C$129.22)
- Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Day Tour - 2 Beaches 2 Lookouts 1 Snorkel Location (From C$192.90)
- Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & Top Snorkel Spots (From C$176.29)
- Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise (From C$174.45)
- Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran (From C$193.84)
- Hotels near Whitehaven Beach:
- (11.45 km) Beach Club Hamilton Island
- (11.00 km) qualia Resort
- (11.91 km) Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island
- (11.56 km) Palm Bungalows
- (11.54 km) Reef View Hotel
- Restaurants near Whitehaven Beach:
- (13.89 km) Hamilton Island Golf Club Restaurant and Bar
- (11.45 km) Beach Club Restaurant
- (12.04 km) Bommie
- (11.84 km) Bob's Bakery
- (11.80 km) Mariners Restaurant
- Attractions near Whitehaven Beach:
- (0.28 km) Hamilton Island Air
- (2.87 km) Hill Inlet
- (11.49 km) Hamilton Island Jet Ski Tours
- (12.47 km) Hamilton Island Offroad Adventures
- (11.77 km) Ricochet Yachting